At each price level, there will be three different models. The differences between them lie in their ability to connect to different "4G LTE" networks around the world. For instance, one model will connect to AT&T's U.S. network and Bell's Canadian one, while another will connect to Sprint's and Verizon's U.S. networks and KDDI's network in Japan.

OLDER PHONES: With a two-year contract, the iPhone 4S will now sell for $99 and iPhone 4 will be free.

DATES: Advance orders begin Friday. The iPhone 5 will be available a week later, on Sept. 21, in the U.S., Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore and the U.K.

Apple's iPhones and iPads have gotten free software updates, including battery improvements and a smarter virtual assistant. The new features and capabilities in the update, iOS 9, are primarily refinements rather than anything transformative.